QuoteReplyTopic: Why do people like bullies so much? Posted: 05 May 2009 at 3:32pm

This is something I've been wondering about for some time. Why are bullies in TV so popular? Simon Cowell, House, Gordon Ramsey... what is it about these people constantly yelling at and belittling other people that makes people watch these shows?

I'm not sure I have an opinion on this, but I would like to hear what other people think about it.

"Xbox Live is an online homophobia club for pre-teen Tourette’s sufferers." - Brockway, Cracked.com

I don't see Ramsey as a bully.I notice that there is a method to his ranting.He asks for a perfect service. The 'cooks' (not chefs) try to oblige him but inevitably they f**k up. I'll say he is short tempered, but he is quick to cool down. Watch a service that starts out weak and finishes strong and you will see his expression change dramatically.Aside from his theatrics, he is just pushing them to compete for his restaurant. For some, his places are grail-like.

Fru-fru cooking does not impress me. I was taught it and I can appreciate the work involved, but damn, it is just not for me. Cooking a steak perfectly means more to me then some flaming foam infused piece of turd. Then again salad to me is what the steak sits on and is not to be eaten. So go figure.

This why I stopped watching all reality cooking contests. It is embarassing.I bet Jimmy feels the same way.

I don't see Ramsey as a bully.I notice that there is a method to his ranting.He asks for a perfect service. The 'cooks' (not chefs) try to oblige him but inevitably they f**k up. I'll say he is short tempered, but he is quick to cool down. Watch a service that starts out weak and finishes strong and you will see his expression change dramatically.Aside from his theatrics, he is just pushing them to compete for his restaurant. For some, his places are grail-like.

Fru-fru cooking does not impress me. I was taught it and I can appreciate the work involved, but damn, it is just not for me. Cooking a steak perfectly means more to me then some flaming foam infused piece of turd. Then again salad to me is what the steak sits on and is not to be eaten. So go figure.

This why I stopped watching all reality cooking contests. It is embarassing.I bet Jimmy feels the same way.

But what is it about his short-temper and yelling at people that makes people like to watch him?

Please not that I am not trying to attack anyone who likes these shows. Watching this kind of behavior just makes me very uncomfortable.

"Xbox Live is an online homophobia club for pre-teen Tourette’s sufferers." - Brockway, Cracked.com

Ramsey is a joke. He most likely is a huge wuss when the cameras aren't rolling, and he only intimidates the contestants because the show seems to have a policy of only picking people who are wussier than he is! So, although he tries hard not to have his on-air behavior conform to the 'chefs are pansies who cry at the drop of a floppy hat' stereotype, he perpetuates it by picking such wimpy mealy-mouthed contestants who 'cwy' when he shout at them. Seriously, would anybody eat anything prepared by Ramsey or any of his 'disciples'?

I agree this was why I just couldn't get into American Chopper. When it was mostly about building the bikes it was cool but when it started becoming more about Paul Sr.'s acting like a chafing 2 year old and fighting with his sons I just wished someone would have picked up a stillson wrench and bludgeoned that fat sack of crap.

I wish there could be programs without the fake drama.American Chopper was pathetic with fake drama. We used to make fun of it on the chopper forums. There was a short lived series about a southern bike shop where the drama was minimal and the building was center stage. It was canceled.

I'm not a fan of Ramsey, he's a foul mouthed ape! I don't mind Simon Cowell. Show business can be a very ugly business and it's best to know right up front if you can take it, he doesn't blow sunshine up peoples backsides, sometimes that's the greatest favor he can do them. Huge Laurie is just brilliant and can do no wrong in my eyes!!

I wouldn't take a chance eating in one of Gordon Ramsey's restaurants. If the way he treats the people like sh*t on camera is any indication, then I'd hate to see how he treats his hired help when there is NO video around. Morale has to be low in those places, and the frustration is going to be taken out somewhere. Even if he's only acting and wants to be perceived as an asshole, then I'm willing to believe that he is an asshole. I don't have much respect for people like that....

I just watched a complete episode of The Office for first time tonight. I don't know if it was the tight, cluttered settings, or too many neurotic people, but it all felt claustrophobic and creepy to me.

No way would I put up with Gordon Ramsey. Maybe I could if I sold my soul to the devil. Lighten up, man...it's just dinner.

Me either! I don't understand why these people put up with this sh*t. I bet he goes through staff like flour through a sieve... (or at least, I hope)...

They probably see him as some sort of artistic or business genius (once again...it's just food, man!), and put up with that sort of temperament. I've known too many people with this temperament, and believe me, they're bastards---not the least bit sensitive at all. Control freaks is more like it. Fear is their tool. All abusers utilize it.

Or maybe throwing tantrums is just an easy way of making the viewing public interested in what goes on in the kitchen of a restaurant. I've never particularly cared or wanted to know.

edit: I just read a bit about him in Wikipedia. Apparently, his father was abusive. I guess the apple doesn't fall too far...

I agree this was why I just couldn't get into American Chopper. When it was mostly about building the bikes it was cool but when it started becoming more about Paul Sr.'s acting like a chafing 2 year old and fighting with his sons I just wished someone would have picked up a stillson wrench and bludgeoned that fat sack of crap.

Would it necessarily have to be a stillson wrench per se?,

Or would any other large, heavy steel tool or object such as a lug wrench or a tire iron do?

How about a piece of heavy gauge steel pipe?

A large claw hammer, maybe?

Great news guys.... With the Air Hawk, flat balls are no longer a problem!!!

I just watched a complete episode of The Office for first time tonight. I don't know if it was the tight, cluttered settings, or too many neurotic people, but it all felt claustrophobic and creepy to me.

Thor, The Office is kind of an on-going series type of show.

You have to go back to the beginning & watch them in order to appreciate it.

I don't know exactly what it is about that show, but I just love it.

It's one of those that I can't miss.

Jim & Pam are the only two "sane" people on the show.

The rest of them are all fruit loops.

Especially Dwight.

Great news guys.... With the Air Hawk, flat balls are no longer a problem!!!

I'm guessing Dwight is the one who showed up to the boss' dinner party last night with a 70 y/o homeless woman as his date.

Come to think of it, there was a lot that was pretty funny in last night's episode. Still, the whole thing had a really disturbed vibe about it. Maybe that's its beauty.

The funniest & most disturbing thing about that show is the boss Michael Scott's utter & complete lack of ability to understand the difference between the appropriate & the wildly inappropriate.

His total & complete level of cluelessness as to what is & what isn't acceptable to say to people really manifests itself when he's trying to "teach". He holds these little office seminars about inclusiveness & ethnic sensitivity, etc. & winds up making outrageous racial stereotypes that cause everyone else to just sit there & look back & forth at each other.

It's a frickin riot.

I know if you saw a good episode or two, you'd be hooked.

Great news guys.... With the Air Hawk, flat balls are no longer a problem!!!

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